San Francisco Central Subway LRT OKd

The 1.7-mile Central Subway sought by San Francisco has received a “letter of non-prejudice” from the U.S. Department of Transportation, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee says. The move clears the way for the city to commence construction on the underground LRT route, expected to cost $1.6 billion.

The subway project will run from San Francisco’s downtown Caltrain Station to Chinatown, but has been criticized for its overall cost and emphasis on underground construction, even by some pro-LRT advocates.

City officials said they hope to secure the grant agreement, which is an actual commitment of funding, within the next several months.